John Cena is an American professional wrestler and actor who became one of WWE's biggest stars before crossing over into Hollywood. Born April 23, 1977, he is 49 years old. Cena has been married to engineer Shay Shariatzadeh since October 2020, and his net worth is estimated at around $80 million.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Felix Anthony Cena |
| Date of Birth | April 23, 1977 |
| Age | 49 |
| Birthplace | West Newbury, Massachusetts |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Profession | Wrestler, Actor, Television Host |
| Known For | 17-time WWE world champion; Peacemaker; Fast franchise |
| Final Match | December 13, 2025 vs. Gunther (submission loss) |
| Wife | Shay Shariatzadeh (married 2020) |
| Children | None |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$80 million (estimate) |
Early Life
John Felix Anthony Cena was born on April 23, 1977, in West Newbury, Massachusetts, the second of five brothers. He attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence before moving on to Springfield College, where he graduated in 1999 with a degree in exercise physiology and played Division III college football.
After college, Cena pursued bodybuilding and worked as a limousine driver before enrolling at Ultimate Pro Wrestling's academy in California in 1999. He captured the UPW Heavyweight Championship in April 2000, which caught the attention of WWE scouts.
Wrestling Career
WWE Debut and Rise
Cena made his WWE main-roster debut on June 27, 2002, answering an open challenge from Kurt Angle with his famous "ruthless aggression" promo. He soon adopted the "Doctor of Thuganomics" rapper persona, which made him a fan favorite and launched his merchandise empire.
Championship Record
Cena won his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21 in 2005 and went on to become the face of the company for over a decade. WWE recognizes him as a 17-time world champion — he broke Ric Flair's long-standing record of 16 by winning his 17th world title at WrestleMania 41 in 2025, a landmark achievement in wrestling history.
His "You Can't See Me" catchphrase, salute entrance, and never-give-up persona made him one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world, headlining countless WrestleManias and selling millions in merchandise.
Retirement and Ambassador Role
Cena's farewell tour in 2025 delivered one final historic moment first: at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, he defeated Cody Rhodes in the Night 2 main event to capture a record-breaking 17th world championship, finally breaking Ric Flair's long-standing record of 16. The win came with a stunning heel turn — his first since 2003 — and help from rapper Travis Scott, who assisted in the finish. He dropped the title back to Rhodes at SummerSlam later that year.
His final in-ring victory came on the November 17 episode of Raw, when he teamed with Rey Mysterio and Sheamus to defeat The Judgment Day. Then, on December 13, 2025, at Saturday Night's Main Event at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Cena wrestled his final match, submitting to Gunther's chokehold before an emotional crowd. He left the ring as a 17-time world champion.
Following retirement, Cena signed a five-year WWE ambassador deal, keeping him attached to the company in a non-wrestling role. He hosted WrestleMania 42 and announced the creation of the John Cena Classic tournament. Speaking to PEOPLE in October 2026, Cena admitted he misses performing "every day" but stands firmly by his decision, insisting he won't take bumps again — he wants fans to see him as a promoter and ambassador now, not an active wrestler.
His legacy's market value was underscored in September 2026, when a one-of-one 2025 Topps Royalty autographed WrestleMania 41-worn patch card sold at auction for $329,400 — the highest public sale for any wrestling card in history.
Acting Career
Cena's transition to Hollywood began with action roles and grew into a major second career:
- Blockers (2018) — breakout comedy performance
- Bumblebee (2018) — Transformers franchise
- F9: The Fast Saga (2021) and Fast X (2023) — played Jakob Toretto, Dominic's brother
- The Suicide Squad (2021) — introduced Christopher Smith / Peacemaker
- Peacemaker (2022–) — his HBO Max series became a critical and commercial hit, with a second season premiering in 2025
- Ricky Stanicky and Jackpot! (2024) — comedy leads
- Heads of State (2025) — Prime Video action-comedy; Cena also earned an Emmy nomination as an executive producer
- Little Brother (2026) — Netflix comedy opposite Eric André and Michelle Monaghan, released June 26, 2026
- Coyote vs. Acme (2026) — theatrical release on August 28, 2026; Cena plays Buddy Crane, Acme's chief legal officer and the film's villain. The movie grossed over $80 million worldwide after nearly being shelved by Warner Bros.
- Matchbox: The Movie (2026) — Apple TV+ action-adventure released October 9, 2026; Cena plays Sean, an undercover CIA operative, opposite Jessica Biel
- Upcoming — the comedy thriller The Family Disappears co-starring David Harbour (filming set for November 2026), and Netflix's One Attempt Remaining
He also released the rap album You Can't See Me in 2005, hosted American Grit on Fox, and holds the all-time record for Make-A-Wish Foundation wishes granted — over 650 and counting.
Wife and Family
Cena is married to Shay Shariatzadeh, a Canadian engineer. The two met in early 2019 in Vancouver while Cena was filming the movie Playing with Fire. Shariatzadeh holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of British Columbia and has worked in product management roles at companies including Motorola Solutions, Microsoft, and Sonatype.
They married in a private ceremony on October 12, 2020, in Tampa, Florida, and held a second, larger celebration in Vancouver in July 2022 with family and friends. Despite Cena's fame, the couple keeps a deliberately low profile.
This is Cena's second marriage — he was previously married to Elizabeth Huberdeau from 2009 to 2012. He was later engaged to fellow WWE star Nikki Bella, but the engagement ended in 2018.
Cena has no children. He has spoken openly in interviews about choosing a child-free life, a decision he and Shariatzadeh share.
Net Worth
Cena's net worth is estimated at approximately $80 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth (August 2026). His wealth was built across three pillars: WWE earnings (including a reported $12 million annual contract at his peak plus merchandise royalties), Hollywood acting fees (reported gross entertainment compensation of about $30 million in 2024), and endorsement deals with major brands — including a 2025 Neutrogena campaign.
No independently audited figure exists, so the $80 million should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed accounting of his finances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is John Cena's wife?
Shay Shariatzadeh, a Canadian engineer. They married on October 12, 2020, in Tampa, Florida, and held a second celebration in Vancouver in July 2022.
How old is John Cena?
Born April 23, 1977, he is 49 years old.
What is John Cena's net worth?
Estimated at around $80 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2026).
How many times did John Cena win the WWE world championship?
WWE recognizes him as a 17-time world champion, breaking Ric Flair's record of 16 with his 17th title win at WrestleMania 41.
Does John Cena have children?
No. Cena has spoken publicly about choosing not to have children.
Is John Cena still wrestling?
No — he wrestled his final match on December 13, 2025, and now serves as a WWE ambassador while focusing on acting.